The newest line of reflective asphalt shingles designed by GAF, the Timberline HDZ® Reflector Series, can give your home both enhanced protection from the elements, and curb appeal.
The roofing shingles, available in stylish dark colors, create an attractive aesthetic that can be used to comply with certain code requirements for reflectivity. This is particularly important in California, where state building codes like Title 24 and local regulations like the Los Angeles County Green Building Code require specific roof reflectivity to help conserve energy.
Here's what you need to know about these new reflective shingles, including their unique technology, and potential for providing savings on energy costs.
Reflector Series Shingle Features
Timberline HDZ® RS shingles have several strengths that make them stand out from the competition. By design, the roofing shingle's features enhance reflectivity, and provide additional protection against algae and wind.
EcoDark® Granules
Timberline HDZ® RS shingles feature EcoDark® granules, a newly formulated technology that provides deep, rich, dark colors while maintaining reflectivity. Available colors include Charcoal—currently the darkest highly reflective shingle color available in California—and several other color blends, each providing a full, dimensional look.
LayerLock® Technology
Traditional asphalt shingles have multiple layers of material connected with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. With GAF LayerLock® Technology, shingle layers are mechanically attached. This provides additional protection against wind, which can lift loose shingles off the roof.
Thanks to the technology, GAF can lay claim to another industry first: offering a warranty, with no maximum wind speed limitation**.
4 Benefits of Reflector Series Shingles for Homeowners
Timberline HDZ® RS shingles give you several benefits.
1. Code Compliance and Cooling Cost Reduction
In California, RS shingles can be used to meet the solar reflectance requirements for steep-slope residential buildings as mandated in 2022 Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations and the Green Building Standards Code of Los Angeles County. Both codes set a minimum reflectance rating, called the solar reflective index (SRI), which measures a material's ability to reflect heat and sunlight. The lower the SRI value (from 0 to 100), the hotter a material becomes in sunlight. The higher the value, the cooler the material becomes.
Shingles with a higher SRI, like GAF Timberline HDZ® RS shingles, reflect more sunlight, helping to lower temperatures inside and reduce the energy—and costs—required to cool your home.
2. Rich, Dark Colors to Match Any Style or Aesthetic
You no longer have to compromise between choosing deep, rich, dark colors, popular in today's architecture, and meeting reflectivity requirements. In addition to providing the darkest high-reflectivity color, Charcoal, the other colors in the line feature GAF High Definition® color blends that give the reflector series shingles a dimensional, wood-shake look.
3. Protection Against Blue-Green Algae
Stains from blue-green algae, a cyanobacterium called Gloeocapsa magma, can reduce your home's value. Timberline HDZ® RS shingles feature GAF Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology, which uses specially engineered capsules infused with thousands of copper microsites. The copper releases steadily over time, preventing algae growth for many years. With this technology, GAF offers a 25-Year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty*, which is especially beneficial in hot, humid, and coastal climates like California.
4. A Wind Warranty with No Maximum Wind Speed Limit
When installed with the required number of GAF roof system accessories, the Timberline HDZ® Reflector Series shingles' LayerLock® technology allows GAF to offer a 15-Year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty** with no maximum wind speed limitation.
A Stylish Choice for California Homeowners
If you live in California, GAF Timberline HDZ® RS shingles are a smart option for meeting the state's strict reflectivity requirements while matching the aesthetics and styles of today's architecture. The shingles' features give your home added protection and can reduce cooling costs, potentially putting money back in your pocket.
Ready to get these benefits for your roof? Reach out to a GAF-certified roofing contractor*** near you to learn more.
*25 year StainGuard Plus™ Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus™ logo. 30 year StainGuard Plus PRO™ Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus PRO™ logo. See GAF Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
**15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline® HDZ™ Shingles requires the use of GAF starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, and leak barrier or attic ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.
***Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use.
